IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad was seen posing with the other IPL team captains with the trophy before the season opener.
Tag: Ruturaj Gaikwad
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Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway set up Chennai Super Kings’ 13-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
By PTI
PUNE: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway’s effortless six-hitting exhibition was well complemented by a four-wicket haul from Mukesh Choudhary as Chennai Super Kings notched up a 13-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match here on Sunday.
Gaikwad (99 off 57 balls) and Conway (85 not out off 55) put SRH’s attack to the sword, notching up a scintillating 182-run partnership, the highest opening stand of the season, as CSK posted an imposing 202 for two after being invited to bat.
In reply, SRH fell short, reaching 189 for 6 in 20 overs despite late heroics from Nicholas Pooran (64 not out) and a 47-run innings by skipper Kane Williamson at the top.
Choudhary emerged with the best figures for CSK, scalping four for 46, while Mitchell Santner (1/36) and Dwaine Pretorius (1/40) took one wicket each.
The win, which coincided with MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy, kept CSK afloat for an improbable play-off berth as they now have six points with five matches remaining, while SRH remained in the fourth position with 10 points in the overall standing.
Abhishek Sharma (39) and Williamson gave SRH a flying start to their chase but Choudhary struck twice in two balls to reduce the Hyderabad outfit to 58 for 2 in six overs.
While Sharma was caught by Dwaine Pretorius at long-on, Rahul Tripathi was out for a duck after giving catching practice at short third man.
Aiden Markram hit two sixes before falling prey to Mitchell Santner.
Pooran hit Ravindra Jadeja for a six before unleashing a monstrous reverse sweep for another maximum, while Williamson too notched up a one-handed six to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The SRH skipper, however, was trapped in front by Pretorius as it became 126 for 4 in 15th over.
Pooran then kept fighting in vain while scoreboard pressure took a toll on the other batters.
Earlier, Gaikwad, who has been blowing hot and cold this season, was at his destructive best as he smashed six sixes and as many fours before tragically falling short of a ton by just one run.
The 25-year-old was in his zone as he stood on his backfoot, and played some exceptional shots to dominate the formidable SRH bowling unit.
Anything short was pulled with immaculate ease, while pitched up deliveries were treated with equal disdain as Gaikwad didn’t miss a trick to send SRH on a leather hunt during his classy innings.
Conway too showed great temperament as he was the perfect foil for Gaikwad.
He bide his time initially before going for the big shots in the slog overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0/22) was the best bowler on display for SRH, while pace sensation Umran Malik had a really bad day in office, having conceded 48 in his four overs.
T Natarajan (2/42) picked up two wickets but also went for runs.
With Washington Sundar suffering an injury while fielding, SRH was forced to use Markram and Shashank Singh as the fifth bowler, who conceded 46 from their combined four overs.
After a watchful start, Gaikwad broke free as he pulled Marco Jansen for two maximums, while Natarajan was sent across the mid-wicket boundary as CSK reached 40 for 0 after the powerplay.
Gaikwad was particular harsh on Malik, smashing him over cover first before lifting him over long-on for another maximum in his first over.
Malik cranked up the pace, bowling the fastest delivery of the tournament, clocking 154kmph in the 10th over, but ended up conceding two more boundaries off Gaikwad’s blade as the opener completed his half-century off 33 balls.
Markram too faced the fury of the duo with Conway sending him across the fine leg before going down the wicket for a flat six.
Gaikwad too clobbered him for successive sixes as the 100 was up in the 11th over.
Malik was again in the line of fire as Gaikwad slogged him over long-on for a boundary before lifting him over long-off for another maximum.
A top-edge six off Marco Jansen, meanwhile, helped Conway bring up his fifty in 39 balls and he ended the 15th over with another four and a six.
Natarajan was brought back but he too conceded 13 runs with Gaikwad producing another pull.
Conway too sent one over the bowler’s head in the 18th over.
Gaikwad, however, missed out of a deserving hundred when he gave an easy catch at point.
Back at the helm of affairs, M S Dhoni promoted himself but couldn’t make an impact as he was holed out by Malik off Natarajan.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway set up Chennai Super Kings’ 13-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
Express News Service
CHENNAI: Ahead of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings could get a maximum of 16 points by winning all their remaining matches and thereby, had a mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs depending on other outcomes.
So the tie against SRH was a must-win game and they were also looking to ensure a handsome win, keeping the net run rate in mind (something that could come into play).
With Ravindra Jadeja handing over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni, CSK were hopeful for a turnaround.
The crucial game against Hyderabad was billed by many as Kane Williamson’s pace battery comprising of the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik versus CSK batting.
In the last edition of the IPL, both Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad had kept scoring in turns in crucial games and had helped CSK bag the title. With Faf in the RCB camp and Ruturaj yet to discover the form of the last season, CSK have found it difficult to get off to good starts and register big partnerships.
Robin Uthappa, Shivam Dube and Ambati Rayudu have also been inconsistent. Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, the two spin-bowling all-rounders, are yet to play to potential.
Ahead of Sunday’s vital tie, CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said that he was hopeful that the CSK batting can click as a unit and also wanted one player to take the game deep till the end.
Keeping in mind the situation, CSK dropped Shivam Dube and Dwayne Bravo and brought in Devon Conway and Simarjeet Singh. Those changes worked as half-centuries by Ruturaj (99) and Conway (85 not out) enabled CSK to post 202 for 2 in 20 overs.
The duo added 182 runs for the first wicket in 17.5 overs and put their team in a solid position.
Put into bat, Ruturaj and Conway began the proceedings on a positive note and runs started to flow from the meat of the blade. To counter genuine fast bowling, one needs to bring the cut, pull and hook into their range of play. That is exactly what Conway and Ruturaj did. Conway pulled Bhuvneshwar to the square leg fence for a four and Ruturaj did the same against Jansen over long leg for a six to show their intent as CSK reached 40/0 at the end of powerplay.
A wide slash off Umran marked Ruturaj’s 50. Confidence was visible in Ruturaj’s play as he continued to find the gaps. Conway played the perfect foil at the other end to lend solid support as the CSK openers made merry and posted 151 runs in less than 15 overs. It was not all about hitting as the opening duo did show excellent understanding while running between the wickets too.
The only miss was perhaps Ruturaj missing a century after getting so close. Eager to reach the magical figure, he mistimed the ball and scooped it to Bhuvneshwar at backward point off the bowling of T Natarajan.
Chasing 203, Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson began the chase in an aggressive manner. Newcomer Simarjeet erred in line and length and was thus hit all over the park. His first spell of two overs cost 24 runs.
Thereafter, Mukesh Chaudhary, who had dropped Abhishek on 20, made up for his lapse to get rid of the Hyderabad opener and also sent Rahul Tripathi back in the very next ball.SRH skipper Kane Williamson (47) and Nicholas Pooran (64 not out) played well but that was not enough. In the end, CSK were the victors by 13 runs.
Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 202/2 in 20 overs (Gaikwad 99, Conway 85 n.o) bt Sunrisers Hyderabad 189/6 in 20 overs (Williamson 47, Pooran 64; Choudhary 4/46)
CHENNAI: Ahead of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings could get a maximum of 16 points by winning all their remaining matches and thereby, had a mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs depending on other outcomes.
So the tie against SRH was a must-win game and they were also looking to ensure a handsome win, keeping the net run rate in mind (something that could come into play).
With Ravindra Jadeja handing over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni, CSK were hopeful for a turnaround.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
The crucial game against Hyderabad was billed by many as Kane Williamson’s pace battery comprising of the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik versus CSK batting.
In the last edition of the IPL, both Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad had kept scoring in turns in crucial games and had helped CSK bag the title. With Faf in the RCB camp and Ruturaj yet to discover the form of the last season, CSK have found it difficult to get off to good starts and register big partnerships.
Robin Uthappa, Shivam Dube and Ambati Rayudu have also been inconsistent. Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, the two spin-bowling all-rounders, are yet to play to potential.
Ahead of Sunday’s vital tie, CSK coach Stephen Fleming had said that he was hopeful that the CSK batting can click as a unit and also wanted one player to take the game deep till the end.
Keeping in mind the situation, CSK dropped Shivam Dube and Dwayne Bravo and brought in Devon Conway and Simarjeet Singh. Those changes worked as half-centuries by Ruturaj (99) and Conway (85 not out) enabled CSK to post 202 for 2 in 20 overs.
The duo added 182 runs for the first wicket in 17.5 overs and put their team in a solid position.
Put into bat, Ruturaj and Conway began the proceedings on a positive note and runs started to flow from the meat of the blade. To counter genuine fast bowling, one needs to bring the cut, pull and hook into their range of play. That is exactly what Conway and Ruturaj did. Conway pulled Bhuvneshwar to the square leg fence for a four and Ruturaj did the same against Jansen over long leg for a six to show their intent as CSK reached 40/0 at the end of powerplay.
A wide slash off Umran marked Ruturaj’s 50. Confidence was visible in Ruturaj’s play as he continued to find the gaps. Conway played the perfect foil at the other end to lend solid support as the CSK openers made merry and posted 151 runs in less than 15 overs. It was not all about hitting as the opening duo did show excellent understanding while running between the wickets too.
The only miss was perhaps Ruturaj missing a century after getting so close. Eager to reach the magical figure, he mistimed the ball and scooped it to Bhuvneshwar at backward point off the bowling of T Natarajan.
Chasing 203, Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson began the chase in an aggressive manner. Newcomer Simarjeet erred in line and length and was thus hit all over the park. His first spell of two overs cost 24 runs.
Thereafter, Mukesh Chaudhary, who had dropped Abhishek on 20, made up for his lapse to get rid of the Hyderabad opener and also sent Rahul Tripathi back in the very next ball.
SRH skipper Kane Williamson (47) and Nicholas Pooran (64 not out) played well but that was not enough. In the end, CSK were the victors by 13 runs.Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 202/2 in 20 overs (Gaikwad 99, Conway 85 n.o) bt Sunrisers Hyderabad 189/6 in 20 overs (Williamson 47, Pooran 64; Choudhary 4/46)
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RCB batter Virat Kohli interacts with CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad after thrilling IPL 2022 clash
By ANI
NAVI MUMBAI: Cricket fans on Tuesday witnessed a heartfelt moment when Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli, interacted with Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, after the IPL 2022 clash, here at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
CSK opener Gaikwad, who was the Orange Cap holder in IPL 2021, with a total of 635 runs, has not been in a promising form this year. In 5 matches of IPL 2022, Gaikwad has been able to concede only 35 runs.
After the match ended in CSK’s favour, as they registered their first win of IPL 2022, Kohli was interacting with and motivating Gaikwad. The moment soon garnered a lot of praise on social media, as everyone was left flattered by Kohli’s gesture.
Coming to the match, brilliant knocks by Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa were backed by courageous bowling performance as Chennai Super Kings completed a comfortable 23 runs victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL 2022 match on Tuesday.
Robin Uthappa played his IPL career-best inning of 88 while Shivam Dube smashed a thrilling 95* as the pair stitched a mammoth partnership of 165 runs to help CSK reach the highest total of the IPL 2022 — 216/4. Among bowlers, Maheesh Theekshana was the star for CSK as he scalped four wickets while their skipper Ravindra Jadeja took three to completely dismantle the chase of RCB.
This is CSK’s first win after five matches in the IPL 2022 while for RCB this is their only second defeat.
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RCB batter Virat Kohli interacts with CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad after thrilling IPL 2022 clash
By ANI
NAVI MUMBAI: Cricket fans on Tuesday witnessed a heartfelt moment when Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli, interacted with Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, after the IPL 2022 clash, here at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
CSK opener Gaikwad, who was the Orange Cap holder in IPL 2021, with a total of 635 runs, has not been in a promising form this year. In 5 matches of IPL 2022, Gaikwad has been able to concede only 35 runs.
After the match ended in CSK’s favour, as they registered their first win of IPL 2022, Kohli was interacting with and motivating Gaikwad. The moment soon garnered a lot of praise on social media, as everyone was left flattered by Kohli’s gesture.
Coming to the match, brilliant knocks by Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa were backed by courageous bowling performance as Chennai Super Kings completed a comfortable 23 runs victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL 2022 match on Tuesday.
Robin Uthappa played his IPL career-best inning of 88 while Shivam Dube smashed a thrilling 95* as the pair stitched a mammoth partnership of 165 runs to help CSK reach the highest total of the IPL 2022 — 216/4. Among bowlers, Maheesh Theekshana was the star for CSK as he scalped four wickets while their skipper Ravindra Jadeja took three to completely dismantle the chase of RCB.
This is CSK’s first win after five matches in the IPL 2022 while for RCB this is their only second defeat.
NAVI MUMBAI: Cricket fans on Tuesday witnessed a heartfelt moment when Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli, interacted with Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, after the IPL 2022 clash, here at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
CSK opener Gaikwad, who was the Orange Cap holder in IPL 2021, with a total of 635 runs, has not been in a promising form this year. In 5 matches of IPL 2022, Gaikwad has been able to concede only 35 runs.
After the match ended in CSK’s favour, as they registered their first win of IPL 2022, Kohli was interacting with and motivating Gaikwad. The moment soon garnered a lot of praise on social media, as everyone was left flattered by Kohli’s gesture.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Coming to the match, brilliant knocks by Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa were backed by courageous bowling performance as Chennai Super Kings completed a comfortable 23 runs victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL 2022 match on Tuesday.
Robin Uthappa played his IPL career-best inning of 88 while Shivam Dube smashed a thrilling 95* as the pair stitched a mammoth partnership of 165 runs to help CSK reach the highest total of the IPL 2022 — 216/4. Among bowlers, Maheesh Theekshana was the star for CSK as he scalped four wickets while their skipper Ravindra Jadeja took three to completely dismantle the chase of RCB.
This is CSK’s first win after five matches in the IPL 2022 while for RCB this is their only second defeat.
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What has to happen, will happen: CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad
Express News Service
CHENNAI: Ruturaj Gaikwad is taking a deserved time off in Pune after a successful stint with Chennai Super Kings, where he ended up as the Orange Cap holder with 635 runs. The 24-year-old is the youngest to win the it and in an interview with this daily, he talks about the title-winning campaign and more. Excerpts.
On wearing the Cap during the final
It obviously felt good. But I think it is over now. We won the title and we celebrated a lot and it is done and dusted. Time to look forward now.
On your thoughts going into the final, knowing you could win the title as well as the Orange Cap
I was actually thinking about giving the team the start that we have been giving. Being with Faf (du Plessis) and stitching a good partnership… at least 30-40 runs was the priority. And once we crossed the powerplay, it was about one of us taking the chance and other batting till the end. So the plan was to put the team first and see what kind of game is needed for the situation and perform accordingly.
On becoming the youngest Orange Cap holder
As I said it feels good. It is also important, but considering what happened last season, even personally, I wanted that trophy. It is something they have won in the past and I too wanted to win it for the franchise. Right from the start, we had prepared well and made sure we would play good cricket and I think it is a reward for the process we put through in the practice sessions and at the camps in Chennai and Dubai. Those sessions really helped a lot.
On how much these runs mean to you in terms of where your career goes from here
I don’t want to look in that aspect. These runs have come for a winning cause, especially for Chennai Super Kings and that is important for me for the faith they showed. I need to go and score consistently in domestic cricket now. I’m happy for myself, but I’m not expecting this to get me something. It is better to stay in the moment.
On the team backing you in a phase when you hadn’t started well
There was talk only outside the bubble. There was nothing inside the team about my low scores or even doubts over my ability. Be it the coach or the captain, nobody even spoke about it. Plus in one match, I got a good ball and in the other the pitch was not good. They have seen such phases with players before. So I never felt any pressure or did I feel I was out of form. And since nobody was talking or mentioning about it, I also didn’t read too much into it. I remember Mike Hussey just telling me ‘you are just one knock away and need to trust the process’, and that is what I did. I’m lucky to be part of this team because they never let any of the outside talk to get in.
On the postponement after you had started scoring well and were you worried
I was. But since we started practicing in Dubai a month before the tournament resumed, it helped a lot. We got used to the conditions. We created match simulations and practiced for short boundaries and long boundaries on one side. We went through lot of match scenarios and followed the process. It was done right and everything was fit into the mind and we only had to go out to perform in the match.
On the condition-specific training
Since only three grounds were in use, we knew boundaries would be short on one side and long on the other. You generally tend to look for runs in the shorter side, but what we discussed with (Ambati) Rayudu, (Suresh) Raina was with longer boundaries, it is possible to pick the gaps and runs. If we hit in the gaps and get even a couple of twos, the bowler is under pressure and it will play in his mind. With shorter boundaries, who to target.
On the simulations
So we play 20-over games with five batters and rotate the strike if one of us gets out. We will plan one for chasing and another for setting a target. And you need to find a way to score and we had different types of pitches that helped. And even though there are no fielders, you know when you are dismissed. That really helps in shot selection and know which bowler your partner will go after and what options they look for. Those things really help a lot in the middle during the actual match.
On the message from MS Dhoni
From him, it was just about managing the risk factor. That is what he did and it is something I tend to as well, especially while chasing. And if you are set batsman, you have to finish the job by taking it deep. There were a couple of matches where I got out in the 40s when things were under control and not much was needed. That’s when he came up and said, you are capable of finishing matches and you should try and do that because that is what separates a good player and a great player. He put a lot of emphasis on that. And I told him I too want to head in that direction.
On sweeping Jasprit Bumrah
I have played that shot before. Whenever the square-leg is up and when the bowler is looking for a yorker, it is possible to play that shot. It is impossible to do all the time, but even if the bowler slightly errs in the length, it will go for a six. It has given me rewards in the past. I’ve been playing that shot the last two years and at that moment, I thought he was going to bowl a yorker.
On the innings that gave him most satisfaction
The one against Mumbai Indians because we where not in a good situation. So to take the team to a par total on that pitch was really special. Initially I thought we won’t even get that many runs on board, but we got there in the end. Also the knock against Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 1, because they had a very good attack and the pitch was slow as well. So to chase 172 was really special. Even MS came up to me and said ‘you staying till 17th over helped the team’ so that was special too.
On whether his performances will mean
Chennai will retain him No, no… not at all. There is a lot of time for it and I’m not thinking about it.
On Chennai fans liking him
They have been great. Even last year, people had high hopes on me even before I played. And I believe this trophy will make them happy. And they are a loyal set of fans, very supportive and are good readers of the game.
On the competition for openers in the national team and where he sees himself
The selection is out of my control. From my end, I have to do all the right things… like scoring well and consistently in whatever tournament I play. What has to happen, will happen.
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IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad becomes third CSK batter to cross 600 runs mark in a season
By ANI
DUBAI: Ruturaj Gaikwad became the third batter in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) history to cross the 600 runs mark in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Gaikwad achieved this feat in Qualifier 1 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday in which three-times champion reigned supreme to seal their spot in IPL final for the ninth time.
Gaikwad scored a match-winning 70 off 50 balls with 5 fours and a six to help CSK chase down 173 against DC with 4 wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Robin Uthappa (63) and MS Dhoni (18 not out) also played crucial knocks for CSK.
Michael Hussey and Ambati Rayudu are the only other two players who have amassed 600 runs in a season for CSK in the past. Hussey did it in 2013 when he scored 733 while Rayudu made it happen in 2018 by amassing 602 runs.
Talking about this season of IPL, the only batter ahead of Gaikwad is Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul who currently holds the Orange Cap with 626 runs. At third resides Shikhar Dhawan (551) and then Faf du Plessis (547) and Glenn Maxwell (498) completing the top five.
In the last two overs of Qualifier 1, CSK needed 24 runs but Avesh Khan dismissed set batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad on the first ball. Dhoni whacked a six and match came down to 12 needed off the last six balls. In the final over, Tom Curran removed Moeen Ali but Dhoni held the nerves and smashed three fours to seal the CSK’s spot in the summit clash.
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IPL 2021: MS Dhoni asked me to try and finish the game, says Ruturaj Gaikwad
By ANI
DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has revealed skipper MS Dhoni advises him to start afresh in every game.
Gaikwad played a knock of 70 as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Delhi Capitals by four wickets in Qualifier 1 here at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday.
“It’s just normal. Just go through normal routines whatever you have been following throughout the tournament and just try and stay neutral. Each and every game you start from 0, so it’s important to start again and start fresh and be up for a challenge whatever it is. Powerplay was a crucial stage and the wicket was holding a little bit. We had to get off to a good start. Robin batted really well, he took on the bowlers and it got a little bit easier for me to stay till the end and bat throughout the innings,” Gaikwad told host broadcaster Star Sports after the game.
“At times, you have to take the odd risk. I plan for 2-3 overs, think of who is likely to bowl and who I can target, big-short boundary, who I can target better. You have to be crystal clear, go through the process, take one over at a time and ensure that the required rate doesn’t go up too much, and take it deep. Every time, Dhoni tries to encourage me and start afresh every game. Learn from every game and move forward. He said to try and finish the game. It is what separates good players from normal players. I am just looking to learn as much as possible till he is here and stay humble,” he added.
CSK defeated Delhi Capitals as Dhoni returned to form with a much-needed 18 off six balls.
On-field, in the last two overs, CSK needed 24 runs but Avesh Khan dismissed set batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad on the first ball. Dhoni whacked a six and match came down to 13 needed off the last six balls. In the final over, Tom Curran removed Moeen Ali but Dhoni held the nerves and smashed three fours to seal the CSK’s spot in the summit clash for the ninth time.
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Has been wonderful to watch Ruturaj Gaikwad bat: Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin
By ANI
DUBAI: Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad for showing remarkable consistency in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Delhi Capitals and CSK will be locking horns on Monday in the top of the table clash at the Dubai International Stadium.
“Look, I think CSK have got a couple of batters who look at like golden form. I do not know what to say. The way Ruturaj Gaikwad has been batting, has been absolutely wonderful to watch. It is going to be a challenge,” Ashwin said in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of DC.
“CSK bat deep, bat aggressively. They batted aggressively against us at the Wankhede as well. It will be at the Dubai stadium, the pitch has been good there, I am looking at the batting dish out game,” he added.
Gaikwad had scored his maiden IPL ton against Rajasthan Royals and he remained unbeaten in the last game. Delhi Capitals had won its last game against Mumbai Indians while CSK suffered a loss against Rajasthan Royals.
CSK and Delhi Capitals are currently at the top two spots in the IPL points table.
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IPL 2021 CSK Vs RR: Rajasthan’s royal show overshadows Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ton
Express News Service
CHENNAI: Slender frame, an uncluttered technique and a smooth bat-swing. When you get a first glance of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting, these are the characteristics that immediately stand out. His attributes may suggest that he is ideally suited to the longer version — he interestingly averages only 38.54 in first-class cricket — but it is in the shorter versions that he is sparkling with relish.
His latest display was a century of the highest quality against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. On an Abu Dhabi surface where runs have been hard to come by this season, Gaikwad’s effortless, unbeaten 101 propelled Chennai to a total of 189/4 — the highest total batting first in the UAE in IPL 2021. Gaikwad’s brilliance was met with an equally formidable riposte from the Rajasthan batters as they cruised to the target with seven wickets in hand and 2.3 overs to spare. The bulk of the work was done by two players with starkly contrasting approaches: Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 21 balls) and Shivam Dube (64 not out off 42 balls). While Jaiswal’s languid strokeplay provided the foundation as he stitched together a 77-run opening stand with Evin Lewis in just 5.2 overs, Dube’s brute force gave the finishing touches. The win ensured that Rajasthan stayed alive in the race for the play-offs.
It also overshadowed a fine knock by Gaikwad that can be summed up as an innings of two halves. His half-century came off 43 balls before a stunning acceleration saw him plunder the next 51 runs in just 17 deliveries. CSK themselves were ambling along at 83/2 after 12 overs, but the last eight overs yielded a whopping 106 runs.
The 24-year-old has been overlooked for India’s T20 World Cup campaign of course, but there are few batters timing the ball better than the man from Pune at the moment. He did feature in two T20Is for India on the tour of Sri Lanka in July but was unable to make much of an impression on sluggish surfaces in Colombo. While his chance may have gone as far as the World Cup is concerned (the selectors have time till October 10 to make changes), it is unlikely to be too long before he is back donning an India jersey. India are playing a three-match T20I series against New Zealand from November 17 onwards, three days after the T20 WC concludes in Dubai, and Gaikwad should be getting another opportunity to showcase his wares as part of a second-string XI. The evening kicked off with a sumptuous off-drive from Gaikwad’s willow, and there were many strokes of that jaw-dropping calibre through the night. While the opener doesn’t always blaze away in the first six overs, his ability to swiftly shift gears has made him a batter to fear. On Saturday, he exhibited that attribute yet again.
The exact moment when Gaikwad chose to stamp his imprint arrived when leggie Rahul Tewatia was brought back into the attack to complete his quota of overs. CSK were 100/2 in 14 overs at that stage and primed for a total in the range of 160. But a remarkable onslaught ensued, as Gaikwad chose to greet the leggie with two booming maximums.
With the robust presence of Ravindra Jadeja for company, there was no respite for the Rajasthan bowlers thereon. In the end, it turned into a boundary-hitting competition between the two batters, with Jadeja’s farming of the strike in the final over threatening to rob Gaikwad of a well-deserved ton. But Gaikwad’s turn eventually came off the final delivery of the innings and another towering six into the grass banks gave the opener his moment under the night sky.
Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 189/4 in 20 ovs (Gaikwad 101*, Jadeja 32*) lost to Rajasthan Royals 190/3 in 17.3 ovs (Dube 64 n.o, Jaiswal 50; Thakur 2/30).